Elsa Keller Walicki

June 4, 1930 – April 1, 2021

Elsa Walicki died on the morning of April 1, 2021 at home. She was 90.

She was born in Türkheim über Buchloe, Germany,  as the third of four children.  Her parents were Konrad and Veronika Keller.  She also had an adopted brother and sister.

After her secondary education, Elsa trained to become a professional cosmetologist and hairdresser.  She began her career at the famous German spa Bad Wörishofen.  The spa is known for the 'hydrotherapy' water cure developed by Father Sebastian Kneipp, a Catholic priest who lived there for 42 years. It was also there that she met her future husband, Marek Walicki.

Together, they envisioned a life in the United States. In an act of boldness, as well as a devotion that would last nearly seventy years, she left for the United States alone in 1955. She and Marek married a year later in New Jersey, as soon as he was able to secure a visa to join her. In 1984, they renewed their vows in a church ceremony officiated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Wojciech A. Rojek, a family friend.

She obtained her Beauty Operator's license in the U.S. and worked in the profession – both as a hairdresser, and later as a receptionist, in several salons. After moving to Virginia, she served as both Manager and Receptionist at Valentino's Hairdressing Salon in Annandale. She continued there until her retirement. Her clients and co-workers loved her.  As a testimony thereto, many continued to maintain a relationship with her well after she stopped working.

She raised two children while employed as a hair stylist. For many years, she and Marek enjoyed entertaining local and international guests in their home. Elsa was quickly recognized as a consummate culinarian and hostess.  She had an ability to cook a wide variety of cuisines with an apparent effortlessness. She created countless fond memories in an inviting home with her delicious meals.

Elsa enjoyed gardening, especially growing flowers, with which she surrounded herself year-round. She was also a talented seamstress and she enjoyed sewing.

Elsa was often described as both beautiful and kind, even by those with whom she only had a passing acquaintance. She was quick to laugh and never lost her natural sense of style and elegance.

She was extremely devoted to her husband and family, of whom she was immensely proud. She is survived by her beloved husband Marek. She also leaves behind two children to whom she was a dedicated mother, Krystyna Castelveter and Richard Walicki.

Her light continues to shine in their eyes.

Family will receive friends on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Leesburg, VA  20176 where a Service will begin at 11:00 am.